On March 22nd I will take part in the 100km run in Knokke-Heist, Belgium. This is a unique running event, in which teams of four runners run 100 km together for the benefit of cancer research. I will run the 40km leg as part of the argenx lamas team (https://www.de100kmrun.be/team/argenx-lamas).

Why would I do this?

On November 29th 2018, my dad Edward Neal passed away after losing his battle with liver cancer. During his final week he was cared for by St Margaret's Hospice, everyone knows someone who’s life has been impacted by cancer.

The money we raise will be donated to Kom op tegen Kanker. This Belgium charity supports innovative research that increases the chances of survival of cancer patients or improves their quality of life. Often providing funding to research projects that are not seen as worth while by pharmaceutical companies.

The results have an impact on the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cancer patients and the side effects they experience. The studies translate the insights of research into practice. So although not a UK charity the results of the research are directly applicable to hospice care within the UK, generating valuable insights into best practice.